The Junior Giants program is "half and half — half teaching kids about baseball and half teaching them a lot of core life lessons," said Michelle Cartwright, head coach for one of the program's teams.

Junior Giants Commissioner Chris Nystrom said the free program organized by the San Francisco Giants and run through the Giants Community Fund has existed elsewhere for 20 years, but just started in Eureka on June 14. It is eight weeks long, and each week focuses on a different theme — including health, confidence, education and leadership — while teaching children how to play baseball.

Nystrom said about 90 kids ranging in age from 5 to 10 are participating, and the fund contacted the Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods last fall to partner with them for the program.

"This week is 'Strike out bullying,' so teams get together for practices a couple nights a week and learn about baseball but also what they can do to make a positive impact on their community and have conversations that focus on ending bullying," Nystrom said. "The most important thing for these kids is they have these messages completely enforced through something they're enjoying — like baseball. This Saturday will start 'Integrity Week,' which is focused on, 'What does integrity mean?' We will be sharing what values are and what it means to live up to values.

Nystrom said the program partners with a community agency each week.

"This week, the kids will go to the Sequoia Park Zoo to see an organization that believes in the value of conservation."

Cartwright, a Eureka resident, said her youngest son William, who goes to Washington Elementary School, participates in the program. The 7-year-old's favorite parts are all the activities that go along with baseball, she said.

"We saw fliers being handed out at the end of spring at Winship Middle School. We're huge San Francisco Giants fans and were intrigued because it's the first time the program has been offered here," Cartwright said. "As a parent, I'm happy my son is involved in something like this community building program that teaches kids to have a positive influence. I hope the program stays in Humboldt County. It's up to the Giants to decide whether or not to keep it here, and we've heard a lot of positive feedback."

Nystrom said the children in the program are divided into nine teams and most are from Eureka, but there are a few from Arcata, McKinleyville and Fortuna. He said he is the only paid employee participating in the program, which has an intern from Humboldt State University and a local ambassador who is appointed by the Giants Community Fund and works part-time. Team coaches are volunteer parents.

"With sports, a lot of parents are so set on the game and winning. But games have a lot of other goals to teach besides winning," Nystrom said. "The program has given a lot of kids access who wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to play baseball, and it lets them learn a lot of other lessons too."